At approximately 10:40 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry System vessel, M/V Roanoke, ran soft aground on its way from Ocracoke to Hatteras, while maneuvering around a dredge pipe in the vicinity of navigational aid 3 in Barney Slough.
The crew of the Roanoke immediately confirmed there were no injuries to the five passengers or the six crew members. Over the next few hours, several attempts were made to free the ferry from the shoal.
The Ferry Division then contacted the United States Coast Guard Hatteras Inlet to assist in removing passengers from the Roanoke, and a USCG shallow water craft was dispatched to the scene to transport the passengers to Hatteras, where they were provided meals and accommodations if requested.
As the tide rose, ferry crews were able to free the Roanoke from the shoal at 11:21 p.m., with the assistance of the tug Albemarle. The Roanoke then continued under its own power to Hatteras, where passenger vehicles were unloaded and secured. All vehicles were reclaimed as of 9 a.m. Sunday morning.
No injuries, vessel damage or pollution have been reported. The United States Coast Guard will complete a full inspection of the Roanoke on Sunday before the ferry is returned to service.
